Many other countries also use digital ID of one kind or another
I’m quoting this article about the planned introduction of UK digital identity system because, without going into technical details, it’s objective and covers all of the bases. In an ideal world, I wouldn’t want this kind of system. But we don’t live in an ideal world, and this approach seems reasonable given the current state of things.
Why do I say ‘reasonable’? It’s focused on the right to work (therefore students and pensioners aren’t required to have one) it combats existing fraud (people ‘sharing’ National Insurance numbers is rife), and simplifies access to government services. Also, knowing a bit about the technical standard it’s built on, people’s personal details remain on-device with only decentralised identifiers shared with a national registry.
I have no doubt, however, that it will be shot down in flames — even though such systems work well in other countries. It’s interesting that there are people writing in such diverse outlets as The Guardian and _The Telegraph in favour. So maybe once everyone’s calmed down there might be some rational debate.
The timing of this announcement actually makes my job a lot more ‘interesting’ next week as I’m running a workshop for various public bodies in Scotland. I’m helping one of them propose a national digital badging system based on Verifiable Credentials, which is also what underpins the proposed UK digital identity system.
Governments tend to be terrible at infrastructure projects and these days not well trusted by the population. At the time of writing the petition to stop them is at 1.85m signatures so I’m assuming that, far from heading off Reform UK, it will actually mean more people oppose the government and have reason to vote for a different party next time.
The government has announced plans to introduce a digital ID system across the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying it will ensure the country’s “borders are more secure”.
The IDs will not have to be carried day-to-day, but they will be compulsory for anyone wanting to work.
The government says the scheme will be rolled-out “by the end of the Parliament” - meaning before the next general election, which by law must be held no later than August 2029.
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The digital IDs will be used to prove a person’s right to live and work in the UK.
They will take the form of an app-based system, stored on smartphones in a similar way to the NHS App or digital bank cards.
Information on the holders' residency status, name, date of birth, nationality and a photo will be included.
Announcing the scheme, Sir Keir said: “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that.”
The government says the scheme is designed to curb illegal immigration by making it harder for people without status to find jobs. Ministers argue this is one of the key pull factors for migrants entering the UK illegally.
Employers will no longer be able to rely on a National Insurance number - which is currently used as part of proof of right to work - or paper-based checks.
At the moment, it is quite easy to borrow, steal or use someone else’s National Insurance number and that is part of the problem in the shadow economy - people sharing National Insurance numbers for example. The idea is that having a picture attached would make it - in theory - harder to abuse that system.
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Digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents, and mandatory in order to work.
However, for students, pensioners or others not seeking work, having a digital ID will be optional.
Officials also stress it will not function like a traditional identity card: people will not be required to carry it in public.
Ministers have ruled out requiring the ID for access to healthcare or welfare payments.
However, the system is being designed to integrate with some government services, to make applications simpler and reduce fraud.
The government said that, in time, digital IDs would make it easier to apply for services such as driving licences, childcare and welfare. It said it would also simplify access to tax records.
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The government has promised the system will be “inclusive” and work for those without smartphones, passports or reliable internet access.
A public consultation expected to be launched later this year will include looking at alternatives - potentially including physical documents or face-to-face support - for groups such as older people or the homeless.
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The UK government has said it will “take the best aspects” of digital ID systems used elsewhere around the world, including Estonia, Australia, Denmark and India.
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Many other countries also use digital ID of one kind or another, including Singapore, Greece, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Arab Emirates, China, Costa Rica, South Korea and Afghanistan.
Source: BBC News
Image: Arthur Mazi